Wrapped Gift

A gift is something freely given without expectation of reciprocation or payment. This exchange takes many forms and is culturally situated. In most capitalistic and consumer societies, the ritual around the exchange of gifts is similar: an item is wrapped to obscure the contents requiring the recipient to open and unwrap the gift. The ritual implies effort, care, thoughtfulness, and value. It also places a high value on the notion of surprise or the discovery of the unknown.

In its wrapped form the gift provides many clues to the giver’s intentions, price range, thoughtfulness, the occasion etc. This project asks students to consider a gift as an opportunity to provide a particular aesthetic experience which reflects local values, customs behaviors and aesthetics.